In the last six years, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has overseen a revolving door of head coaches for the Black Stars, reflecting a period marked by inconsistency, rebuilding, and mounting pressure for results.
From experienced tacticians to returning former players, four different men have taken charge of the senior national team — each bringing hope, but leaving with mixed outcomes.
Kwesi Appiah (2017–2020) – A Familiar Hand Returns
The GFA turned to a trusted figure in Kwesi Appiah for stability, handing him a second stint after his initial spell between 2012 and 2014.
During this period, Appiah guided Ghana to qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. However, the campaign ended in disappointment, with the Black Stars exiting at the Round of 16 after a shock defeat to Tunisia.
Despite maintaining a relatively solid qualification record, criticism over the team’s playing style and inability to compete at the highest level ultimately led to his departure in 2020.
C.K. Akonnor (2020–2021) – A Short-Lived Project
Following Appiah’s exit, former national team midfielder C.K. Akonnor was handed the reins as part of a long-term rebuilding agenda.
Akonnor oversaw Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2021 AFCON, but performances raised concerns. The team often struggled creatively and lacked cohesion, leading to growing dissatisfaction among fans and pundits.
A poor start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers sealed his fate, and he was relieved of his duties in September 2021 after just over a year in charge.
Milovan Rajevac (2021–2022) – The Return That Failed
In a move that surprised many, the GFA reappointed Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, who famously led Ghana to the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
Expectations were high, but his second spell turned into one of the most disappointing chapters in Ghana football history. The Black Stars suffered a humiliating group-stage exit at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon — failing to win a single game.
The poor showing triggered widespread backlash, and Rajevac was dismissed shortly after the tournament.
Otto Addo (2022–2024) – Promise, Then Decline
Former Ghana international Otto Addo stepped in initially as an interim coach and made an immediate impact by guiding the Black Stars to qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating Nigeria in a crucial playoff.
He later secured the role on a full-time basis, leading Ghana at the World Cup. Despite flashes of promise, including a memorable win over South Korea, the team exited at the group stage.
Addo’s tenure, however, became increasingly turbulent, with inconsistent results and criticism over tactical decisions. Following a string of underwhelming performances, the GFA parted ways with him, continuing the cycle of managerial changes.
A Cycle That Raises Questions
The frequent coaching changes underline a deeper issue within Ghana football — the lack of long-term planning and stability at the technical level.
While each coach arrived with a different philosophy, none managed to fully restore Ghana’s dominance on the African stage or replicate past global successes.
For many analysts, the constant resets have hindered team development, disrupted continuity, and affected player confidence.
What Next for the Black Stars?
As the GFA once again searches for a new head coach, the focus will be on finding not just a capable tactician, but a long-term leader who can rebuild trust, identity, and consistency within the team.
With major tournaments ahead, including AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, the next appointment could prove decisive in shaping the future of the Black Stars.